The documentary "Extreme Visions" explores the contrasting architectural styles of two recent additions to the Princeton University campus: the Collegiate Gothic-inspired Whitman College (top) and the modernist Lewis Library (bottom).

Video stills courtesy of Telos Productions

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Video feature: 'Extreme Visions'

Posted February 16, 2012; 12:00 p.m.

by Eric Quiñones

The documentary "Extreme Visions" explores the concepts, planning and construction of two signature additions to the Princeton University campus with contrasting styles: the modernist Lewis Library, designed by Frank Gehry, and the Collegiate Gothic-inspired Whitman College, designed by Demetri Porphyrios.

This preview of "Extreme Visions" provides a look at filmmaker Thomas Ball's examination of the radically different architectural styles of the two buildings, and the philosophies and creative processes of the two designers.

The Lewis Library, which opened in 2008, was supported by a $60 million gift from Princeton Class of 1955 alumnus Peter B. Lewis. Constructed of stainless steel, clay brick, steel, glass and stucco, it is a multi-story, 87,000-square-foot library that combines many of the University's science collections and technology spaces, and also includes study, research and classroom space.

Whitman College, the University's sixth residential college, opened in 2007. Named for 1977 alumna Meg Whitman and her family, who donated $30 million to the project, the 250,000-square-foot college features distinctive stone wall masonry, slate roofs, and copper and wood detailing.

"Extreme Visions" was produced by Princeton University and Telos Productions. A 10-minute preview of the documentary can be viewed online.